June 19, 2014

It has become an annual tradition for Cape nightowls to enjoy beer, listen to great music, have a snack, and then enjoy more beer.

Some of the downtown's best restaurants, nightclubs and bars plan to make the weekend before the July 4 holiday a special one as the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association will present "Red, White & Brew" on Saturday, June 28, from 7 to 11 p.m. in another of the trolley events that have become so popular.

Twelve downtown locations will offer beer, music, appetizers and great drink specials, with five trolleys taking participants around South Cape, stopping at various restaurants and taverns every 10 to 15 minutes or so, where they will sample domestic beer and an appetizer.

In addition, several of the stops will have live music.

Lynn Pippinger, president of the SCHEA and owner of Dixie Roadhouse and Rockade, said tickets were still available at all the restaurants participating.

"Tickets are selling well, the beer and martini events tend to sell well, so a sellout would not surprise me," Pippinger said. "People who come to these events tend to keep coming back. We don't get complaints and new people get exposed to what we have to offer. It's a win/win for everyone."

Fact Box

Red, White & Brew locations

* Backstreets Sports Bar

915 SE 47th Terrace

* Chicago Pizza

1341 SE 47th Terrace

* Cruiser's Lounge

1517 SE 47th Terrace

* Dixie Roadhouse

1023 SE 47th Terrace

* Monkey Bar & Steakhouse

1428 Lafayette St.

* Rack'em Billiards

1011 SE 47th Terrace

* Ralph's Place

of Cape Coral

1305 Cape Coral Parkway

* Rockade

1023 SE 47th Terrace

* The Dek

4704 SE 15th Ave.

* Tiki Hut

@ Dolphin Key Resort

1502 Miramar St.

* Tubby's Bar

4810 Vincennes St.

SCHEA picked up the event last year after the Cape Coral Kiwanis dropped it in 2011. There was no event in 2012.

"We picked this up when nobody decided to pick it up. They were going to let this event pass and drop," said Denise Wood, Cruiser's owner and the SCHEA secretary. "People kept asking when it's happening, so we kept the tradition going."

Check-in will begin at 6 p.m. at Big John Plaza and Club Square. Participants may park in the public lots and ride the trolleys to the other locations. All participants will need to check in by 8 p.m. to obtain event wristband and passport.

Nicole Burns, owner of Ralph's Place, said her bar will offer Bud Crown and thin-sliced filet mignon on crustini with horsey sauce.

"We're looking to bring more people from the community here to spend some time. It's fun for everyone to do together," said Burns, whose bar is participating in this event for the first time.

Wood said the event should have an impact on area restaurants, since some participants will probably get a bite to eat beforehand.

"Besides, you get the locals out when you do it in the summer," Wood said. "They feel they can go out into their own town again."

Tickets are $10 and are available at all participating locations. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.